German chancellor Angela Merkel has said she remains convinced there has to be a European solution to the migration crisis after enduring a difficult election night.

Mrs Merkel acknowledged that the refugee issue dominated three state elections and that many voters felt there is no satisfactory solution yet.

The nationalist, anti-migration Alternative for Germany party (AfD) powered into three state legislatures on Sunday after campaigning against Mrs Merkel's welcome for a huge influx of migrants last year. Meanwhile, Mrs Merkel's party lost in two states to centre-left rivals who backed her policies.

Mrs Merkel made clear she will not change course, saying: "I am firmly convinced, and that wasn't questioned today, that we need a European solution and that this solution needs time."